Service Delivery Platform (SDP) can be loosely defined as a standards based
framework that facilitates the design, development, implementation and
management of services required to run the operations of network services
providers. The services could range from the basic voice connectivity to the
state-of-the-art rich multimedia services. The most critical value-addition
offered by the SDP methodology lies in its ability to abstract controlling
parameters such as location, media control, integration and others. SDP
interface with the network elements, OSS/BSS, telco IT infrastructure and
partners such as application developers and content providers. Projected to
grow at a CAGR of 19 % over the next five years, the SDP industry is set for
healthy growth. Mind Commerce estimates SDP revenues will reach USD 7.6 at the
end of 2016.

With research starting in 2006, this report evaluates the potential for SDP as
a dependable, scalable and flexible platform for core business functions, next
generation applications, and independent services. SDP is examined within the
context of its relationship to the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and the
objectives to respond more rapidly to shifts in market conditions, customer
demands, new revenue opportunities, and competitive threats.

The report and its associated XLS database include revenue forecasts by
geography, function, vendor and media type from 2006 through 2016. Along with
updated forecast, company analysis, SDP vendor and operator case studies, and
SOA maturity model.

Key Findings:

The downturn and the subsequent recovery have augured well for SDP
prospects. Operators are now able to more clearly able to visualize the
importance of quick roll out and thus early monetization of their investments
and the handiness of SDP in achieving that objective. However the technology
will face increasing challenges to its relevance in the latter half of the
duration 2012-2016.

Although, there are contrasting opinions about the value of SDP in the
context of IMS, the overwhelming view is that at the very least, SDP does
provide a framework for smooth transition from legacy to IMS.

In the context of the pressures faced by telcos in the 2008-2009
aftermath, the relevance of SDP is amplified as SDP promises quick
monetization.

SOA and SDP have gained significant traction in the overall IT and telco
environments respectively. SOA and SDP share considerable synergy as the
architectural framework of SOA can help in achieving the end-result desired by
SDP.

APAC and CALA constitute the most promising markets for the SOA and SDP
solutions respectively. The promise is directly attributable to the gap
between the existing level of technology sophistication and the potential
optimal level of technology sophistication. APAC region has demonstrated that
it does constitute the largest market for telecommunications while the CALA
region is the least tapped among all regions.

SDPs find greater appeal among wireless telcos because of the following
reasons:

Wireless technology has already overtaken Fixed Line technology in terms
of subscriber numbers

The relationship between the telcos and the subscribers is closer in the
wireless domain wherein the telco has a decisive say in the character and
extent of services deployed.

SI is an important component of the SDP solution. SOA specialists as well
as Network infrastructure specialists maintain expertise in implementation
methodologies and often tout this expertise as the differentiator with respect
to competition. The importance of this component is reflected in its increased
market share. The SI component feeds on the non-uniformity of SDP solutions.

From a vendor perspective Huawei is presently leading that market with a
market share of 18 %, followed by Ericsson at a close 17 %.

Companies in Report:

3 Italia

Accenture

AEC

Aircel

Amdocs

Anaeko

Andrew Corporation

AT&T Wireless

Avea

Azercell

BEA Systems

Bell Canada

BH Telecom

Bharti Airtel

BITE Group

BlackBerry Partners Fund

Bridge Mobile AllianceBT

Casema

Celcom MalaysiaCOLTContec Innovations

Cricket

Datatronics

Eircom

E-Plus

Ericsson

ESRI

ETRI

ExodusFiorano

France Telecom/Orange

Geocell

Homisco

Inteltek

InterCall

Italtel

jNetX

KKTCELL

Korea Telecom

KPN

life:)

Madacom

Magticom

Meteor

Microsoft

MobileOne

mobilkom Austria

Mobiltel Bulgaria

Mobinil

Moldcell

MTN

Nawras

Nayana Communications

NetCracker

Nokia

Nokia Siemens Network

Nortel

O2 UK

Orascom

Providence Equity Partners

Qualcomm

Qwest Communications

SaskTel

SBC

SFR

SingTel

Software AG

Sprint

SUN Microsystems

Swisscom MobileTelcel

Telcordia Technologies

Telecom Italia

TeleDNA

Telefonica Moviles

Telefonica Moviles Espana

Telenity

Teligent

TeliaSonera

Telstra

TelstraClear

TELUS

Tibco

Time Warner

TMN Portugal

TSTT

Turk Telekom

Turk.Net

Turkcell

UTStarcom (Telos)

Vantrix.

Verizon

VimpelCom

Vitria

Vodafone

Vodafone Hutchison Australia

Vodafone Netherlands

Warburg Pincus

Wataniya Telecom

webMethods

w-Ha

Wireless Matrix

Xiam

Yahoo

ZTE

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction to SOA and SDP

2.1. IMS: Definition and Evolution

2.2. Business and Technology Drivers for IMS

2.2.1. Value-Added Services

2.2.2. Transparency in Access

2.2.3. Scalability

2.3. Business and Technology Challenges for IMS

2.3.1. Supporting Legacy Framework

2.3.2. Unmet Expectations

2.4. SDP and its Appeal

2.4.1. Definition

2.4.2. Evolution

2.4.3. Benefits of SDP

2.5. SOA

2.5.1. Definition

2.5.2. Evolution

2.6. Conclusion

3. Value Propositions of SDP and SOA

3.1. Functional Modules of OSS/BSS

3.1.1. OSS

3.1.2. BSS

3.2. Middleware - The Glue that Binds the SDP with Enterprise Applications

3.3. The Structure of SDP

3.3.1. SDP Architecture

3.3.2. Java and JAVA EE - The SDP Fabric

3.3.3. OMA Service Environment (OSE) - The Quest for the Elusive SDP
Standardization